What is Mate Crime?

Mate Crime is a form of hate crime and is defined as the exploitation, abuse or theft from any person at risk from those they consider to be their friends. Those that commit such abuse or theft are often referred to as 'fake friends'. People with disabilities, particularly those with learning disabilities, are often the targets of this type of crime.

Types of Mate Crime:

Theft/financial abuse - The abuser might demand or ask to be lent money and then not pay it back. The source of harm might mis-use the property of the adult;

Physical assault/abuse - The abuser might hurt or injure the adult;

Harassment or emotional abuse - The abuser might manipulate, mis-lead and make the person feel worthless;

Sexual assault/abuse - The abuser might harm or take advantage of the person sexually.

A national organisation called Safety Net helps local agencies develop systems to tackle Mate crime. For further information please see the Arc Safety website http://arcuk.org.uk/safetynet/